FCC Net Neutrality proposal blocked

Net neutrality has suffered a new blow, with the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology rejecting the FCC’s open-internet regulations. According to the WSJ, a 15-8 partisan vote saw House Republicans send the proposals back to the full Energy and Commerce Committee, arguing that the FCC lacked the statutory authority under the Telecommunications Act to implement the rules.

The FCC’s proposals would prevent internet providers from blocking or limiting services, internet sites or connectivity. Proponents warn of a system whereby content providers, sites or other interested parties could prioritize their traffic over that of rivals, or where companies could negotiate better bandwidth with ISPs.

At the consumer end, so-called tiered service is also threatened. Republicans claim the current system of unregulated internet access is working as it should, and that FCC intervention would lead to a negative impact on businesses.